George Pickens has missed the Steelers’ previous three video games, however he could be again in time for the workforce’s upcoming Christmas Day contest. Head coach Mike Tomlin famous the third-year receiver has a “actual likelihood” to go well with up for Pittsburgh’s recreation in opposition to Kansas Metropolis.
A Grade 2 hamstring strain has led to Pickens being sidelined for the primary time in his NFL profession, and his absence has been obvious on offense.
The Steelers have averaged 248 yards per recreation with out Pickens out there, a pointy decline from their season common of 325. With the specter of explosive passing performs diminished, Pittsburgh’s speeding assault has understandably suffered as properly.
Tomlin named Pickens, together with backup quarterback Justin Fields, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi, security DeShon Elliott and cornerback Donte Jackson as gamers who missed Saturday’s loss to the Ravens however might return on Wednesday (h/t ESPN’s Brooke Pryor).
Getting more healthy on protection would definitely be a welcomed growth because the Steelers put together to face the Chiefs and Bengals to shut out the common season. Seeing Pickens return would assist present the chance for a turnaround within the passing recreation, although.
The 23-year-old established himself as a key determine on offense throughout his rookie season, and his manufacturing took a step ahead final 12 months. Pickens’ 63-1,140-5 stat line demonstrated his influence within the passing recreation, and his 18.1 yards per reception common led the league.
Coming into the 2024 season as not only a premier deep goal however the undisputed No. 1 receiver for Pittsburgh, the Georgia product has delivered when wholesome with a career-high 70.8 yards per recreation. The Steelers had been linked to a number of notable WR pursuits earlier than and throughout the marketing campaign, however the workforce’s solely transfer on that entrance was the rental addition of Mike Williams on the commerce deadline.
By shedding Saturday, the Steelers did not clinch the highest spot within the AFC North. They nonetheless management their future in that regard, nevertheless, and successful their remaining two video games would assure a minimum of one dwelling playoff contest. Getting Pickens again within the lineup in time for a matchup with the 14-1 Chiefs would increase Pittsburgh’s possibilities of reaching that objective.
